Selling a junk car in Chicago Heights

Where a dead car can't go

The 48-hour rule covers "any partially dismantled, nonoperating, wrecked, junked or discarded vehicle," on private or public property. A car with a blown engine in the driveway counts the same as a stripped one in the side yard.

Parking lots are not a way around it. Two sections say the same thing in nearly the same words. Section 19-34 makes it unlawful to park or store "any vehicle which is not in condition or ready for use" in any parking lot. Section 28-413 applies that rule to municipal lots. City lots have their own clock as well: under Section 28-412, a car left more than "twelve (12) continuous hours" in a municipal lot "will be deemed to have been abandoned, and may be hauled away at operator's expense."

From notice to impound

Section 28-436 requires anyone with an inoperable car to dispose of it "upon written notice received from the corporate authorities or from the chief of police."

Section 28-437 then lets the police chief or a designated officer remove any car that appears to break the article, appears "lost, stolen or unclaimed," or is inoperable. The car is then held until someone lawfully claims it or state law allows its disposal. State law puts an unclaimed car 7 model years old or newer up for auction to licensed buyers once 30 days pass after notice.

Boots run on a separate track. Section 2½-32 says that if a boot is not released within "seventy-two (72) hours of its placement," the car is towed and impounded. When unpaid tickets are what put the boot on, tickets or registration hold explains what happens next.

Paperwork for a Chicago Heights sale

The Secretary of State handles Illinois titles, not the Cook County clerk. You can mail papers to Springfield or bring them to one of its counters.

You sign and date the Assignment of Title. Chicago Heights sellers need no notary under the state's seller steps. You keep the plates. Make a short Chicago Heights bill of sale with what was paid and when, and note the buyer's name and home address. Then mail the Notice of Sale to Springfield at once, using the title's tear-off or a VSD 703. The title doesn't change hands with it, but you stop being responsible for the car.

Expired registration does not stack up years of late fees. Illinois charges a single $20 delinquent fee, and only when you renew over a month late. For a scrap-bound car, the junking certificate application is due within 15 days. The title stays with you when no lienholder is listed.

Getting an offer

Chicago Heights owners can call (877) 421-6008 or send our short form. Pickup works near Bloom High School, at a body shop, or in Park Forest, 3.4 miles away in a straight line. Junk car removal explains pickup, and Illinois has the state rules.